Chiron

Chiron

I want to pop some myths on this astrological body, and hopefully show you the deeper meaning of Chrion, so let's get started.

There's no other asteroid identified solely with one, teeny-tiny, aspect of its mythology than Chrion. You all know it. The wound. It's like being remembered for that one thing you did in high school after 3rd period, even when you're a mid-life rocking it entrepreneur or climbing Mt Everest. Today I invite you to take a more holistic view of Chiron and what he represents. I promise, it's not always about the damn wound!

Chiron Astronomy

Chiron is a maverick ‘planetoid’ orbiting between Saturn and Uranus. As an astronomical body, he's hard to pin down. Discovered in 1977, Chiron was first labelled asteroid 2060 but later, after brightening by 75% and growing a tail, he was designated a comet. His size is large, his orbit eccentric and he is not alone. There are more and more ‘Centaurs’ being discovered with much the same quirks ( Pholus, Nessus and Asbolus, for example). Chiron now holds the title of 'Planetoid' or dwarf planet, along with Ceres, Pluto and Eris.

Chiron Mythology

It's true. In myth, Chiron had troubles right from birth. His father was Saturn who seduced his mother Philyra. Unfortunately, the seduction was cut short when the lovers were caught by Saturn’s wife. To get away, the king of the Titans turned himself into a horse and ran, but the resultant child was Chiron—a centaur with the body of a horse and the torso of a human.

His mother Philyra took one look at the horse/child and freaked. She begged the gods take him, which they did after turning her into a lemon tree. (there is always a price) Rejected by his mother, ignored by his father and outcast of mortals and centaurs alike, Chiron turned to knowledge and wisdom for comfort.

As a result, he became one of the greatest thinkers and healers of his time. He taught the likes of Achilles, Actaeon and Jason, training them to be ultimate heroes. He was expert in herb lore, astrology and what today would be considered 'martial arts' or the art of war, battle and hand-to-hand. (Chiro is the Latin root word for Hand - think chiropractics!) He created the first gymnasium and was not without love. Chiron married Chariclo, who bore him three daughters, Endeis, Melanippe and Ocyrrohe, who inherited the gift of prophesy.

One small aspect of his mythos is, indeed, the wounding. He was accidentally stabbed by an arrow dipped in the blood of the Hydra (Hercules had perhaps been drinking?). It meant instant death, but because Chiron was immortal, he could not die. So began the well publicized suffering, which lasted until he was allowed to exchange places with Prometheus in the underworld (minus the chains and hungry eagle). It worked out well for all concerned.

Chiron Astrology

Astrologically, when you look at Chrion in your chart, and by transit, I invite you to consider the whole story. Play with the meaning of the archetype: the personal trainer, the life coach, the cheering section and the wise old man, the astrologer, the Zen master, the martial artist (Bruce Lee with his Chiron conjunct Pluto in Leo in the 8th). And yes, the archetype of the wounded healer may have a role too, in making us whole, strong and released from our perspective of suffering.

Chiron is 'the spirit of culture' who passes his knowledge on through the arts of healing, philosophy, astrology, music, martial arts and storytelling. He also symbolizes extreme sports, body building, strength and fitness.

As the brilliant astrologer and journalist, Dennis Elwell says, Chiron instills in us the audacity to attempt!

That's a 180 from suffering victim that I invite you to experience.

To understand Chiron in your own chart, and by transit, first you must 'see' who he is to you. Where you find him in your natal chart is where your personal trainer resides. It's where you can overcome any victim MO and find the audacity to carpe diem, seize the day.

By transit, think of Chiron showing up on your doorstep, asking hard questions about what you have done so far with your life, your strength, your mind, your body, your brilliance.

Homework

Task one: Find Chiron in your natal chart and put together a few sentence story about this body by sign, house and aspect. Example: I have Chiron in Capricorn in the 5th house and trine the Sun. I find my greatest cheering section (Chiron) when I take responsibility for my own well being (Capricorn) and express my creative dreams (5th) through my life goals (Sun). OR I get over myself (Chiron tough love) when I become self sufficient (Capricorn) and stop trying to get lovers (5th house) to fulfill my dreams (Sun).

Task two: Find where Chrion is transiting (in 2016 he is between 20 and 24 Pisces - use this online ephemeris to pin it down to exact. What part of your chart (house? planets? Angles) has hired Chiron as a personal trainer/mentor? This is where you show up! Get fit!

Chiron Return

For anyone coming up on their Chrion Return this year (where your natal Chiron is between 20 and 24 degrees of Pisces), CELEBRATE! Dare to be different. Allow for that audacity because if you do, it will change your life in magnificent ways. Example - on my Chiron return I left a secure but boring day job to return to university (with almost no income and no guarantees). The process boosted my confidence and gave me an edge that turned a creative dream of being a novelist into an ongoing reality. I was scared at first. Confronted. Way outside my comfort zone . . . and I bless Chrion every day for giving me that audacity to attempt!